Sarcasm 'Crematory' review

SARCASM

'Crematory'

(On Parole Productions)

'Crematory', the much loved and talked about in the underground circles, album by Sarcasm has been reissued once again, this time featuring 5 demo bonus tracks to justify the 'Anthology' tag used by the label. Kudos to On Parole for keeping this obscure little gem in print - na zdravje!

Ooooh, never heard of Sarcasm? That's fine, they are hardly a household name nowadays, but pretty much used to be just that for the metalheads in former Yugoslavia in the tail end of the '80s. 'Crematory' was originally released on tape in 1989 and I can boldly say the adolescent charm of these 8 tunes holds up well to this very day. Not a bad achievement for a bunch of high school guys from some small Slovenian town, one has to give them that.

It's been said that metal is predominantly young man's game and 'Crematory' is proof positive of the statement - the energy level is off the scale, and what the tunes might be (veeery slightly) lacking off in the technical department is more than compensated by the pure conviction and enthusiasm of the band. Musically, this is a rather odd sounding animal - Sarcasm's thrash is anything but straightforward speed assault, and there's enough variation to keep you pay close attention to the tunes. C'mon, side by side to the thrash 'n bash of songs like "The Krüger Story" and "Thrash Tonight" we have the rather cheesy quasi-Accept / quasi-hair metal oddball that is "Love At First Sight" and the closing pair of "Fate" and "Runaway" that somehow bear similarities to Jello Biafra and Dead Kennedys - beat that!

Dated sounding? Yes, in a good way. Groundbreaking? Hardly, yet a fun record and not solely due to nostalgic reasons. [7,75 / 10]

Sarcasm on Facebook 

On Parole Productions 

NunSlaughter / Antiseen Split 7" review

NUNSLAUGHTER / ANTiSEEN

Split 7"

(Hells Headbangers)

Inevitable just like our beloved civilization's collapse - another split thingy featuring NunSlaughter, ladies and gentleman. With Antiseen on the flip too, in case you've been wondering what would it take for things to become better worse. Two new and exclusive songs per band, available on either traditional black or red / brown wax - Hells Headbangers seldom disappoints.

Alike with NunSlaughter, especially when we're talking 7" vinyl. The format seems to be tailor made to the band's needs, allowing their short, and straight to the point, thrashy and punked up death metal neck-breakers to shine in all of their dirty, religion mocking, glory. Focused, instantly recognizable, aggressive - both "So Vile" and "The Burning Times" are yet another good example that NunSlaughter do have fun. Solid, if not spellbinding. 

Antiseen at first glance might look like a weird pairing but there's method to the madness. Strip out all genre tags, trends and fads and in most cases you get to the raw, rebellious, nerve of genuine Rock 'n' Roll. And rocking hard Antiseen certainly do - coarse vocals, energetic rhythms and mean guitar distortion, a recipe proven to work wonders to the adrenaline levels of all those young at heart. "Air Of Opportunity" wins it for me, being grittier and faster than "Down To The Bone".[7,75 / 10]

NunSlaughter on Facebook 

Antiseen on Facebook 

Imprecation 'Satanae Tenebris Infinita' review

IMPRECATION

'Satanae Tenebris Infinita'

(Dark Descent Records) 

It has long dawned on everyone that sooner or later all bands from the past are bound to return, in one form or another. No prejudices here and no bias, as long as the newly penned tunes deliver there will be enough people paying attention / parting with their hard earned cash. Too bad for you if you are doing it the half-assed way, though - it's a dog eat dog world. Any Carcass member aware of this by chance? Sound chaps, cheers.

Speaking of comebacks, Imprecation certainly have unfinished business to take care of, this being their proper debut full-length album, after spending years in Hell (aka Texas) following the release of the 'Theurgia Goetia Summa' compilation of early demo / EP tracks in 1995 on the up and coming (then!) Repulse Records. Going straight to the core question - yes, 'Satanae Tenebris Infinita' is a great album, and yes - it would mighty help you to enjoy its qualities if your taste does cater to the death metal sound of old. In no way Imprecation are phoning it, I'd assume they just don't want it any other way but riff heavy, mid-paced, memorable and dripping with blasphemous atmosphere. What's best is that by slowing the pace down and concentrating on pure heaviness and clarity Imprecation do stand out with their style, giving a much needed break from the "more technical and faster than thou!" boredom fest that's so mistakenly been heralded as death metal for years. Nine quality hymns of true and tried death done right - 'Satanae Tenebris Infinita' does place Imprecation alongside early Acheron on the top of the list if one's tempted by this particular, and similarly sinister, style and sound. [8 / 10]

Imprecation on Facebook

Barge To Hell 2012: A Report by Remi Cote (part 2)

Part two of Remi Cote's report of this year's BARGE TO HELL

Missed the first part? Check it out here. 

TEXT: Remi Cote 

CORRECTIONS: Jacinte Pearsons 

PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Jean-Philippe Beaulieu

 

 

Back on the boat, with most of my orifices filled with white sand, I ran to catch my new buddy Andrew’s band on the pool deck: MONSTROSITY! I am ashamed to say I never had the chance to see them live and it was one of my priority on da boat to hell… disappointed I was not! Solid from start to finish, crushing in every possible ways. They are amazing musicians (you too Andrew! There you go, I said it!) and they should be a much bigger band in my opinion. If you have the chance to see them live, just go! I managed to catch a few songs from MORGOTH on the small stage at the Spectrum Lounge and they were killing it again… went for a quick shower and came back to see GRAVE, again, at the spectrum. Killer set and it was sounding great this time… this band is just fucking awesome, the new album is great and I needed to see them on the boat. GRAVE is god… they made me a happy sailor that night for sure. I also caught PARADISE LOST at the Chorus Line… I have been a fan of this band for ever, saw them live a few times and I was not going to miss the opportunity to see them live again… I also got myself a nice shirt the day before, so I am thrilled and anxious to see them. I am sorry to say that this is my disappointment of the cruise… I will not go into details as I am not into slagging bands off… but this was not up to par if you catch my drift. Totally disappointed. I will keep the shirt and keep listening to the albums. I felt fortunate to see SANCTUARY again, they played another new song and again, I just can’t wait to get that new album, it is going to be great for sure. I went on to catch a few songs from BOUNDED BY BLOOD and they were great. I couple of drinks later I went to my bunk, once again very happy to be there. 

MORGOTH: The art of sinking

SANCTUARY...Soldiers of steel

Day 4 (December 6) was going to be brutal… and it started with a bang with SOLSTAFIR. They were the right band to start this great day. You do not want to see KRISIUN at 10 in the morning (Well, I do, but not everybody!) and did they woke us up in a great way! I love the new album and they are very cool to see live… The stage look like a natural thing for them (looks easier for them than riding a Jet Ski! LOL! Sorry I will not go into details on this!) and they were the perfect band to enjoy with a glass of milk and a glazed donut beside the pool on a beach chair. I am a SOLSTAFIR fan more than ever. Went on to see DARK SERMON at the spectrum and I must say they were great! Not really my style (modern Death Metal mixed with Deathcore) but they have a killer stage presence, very intense. Pretty cool, I suggest you guys to investigate them a bit further. I ran to the pool deck to make sure not to miss a second of one of my favourite bands… the godly NOVEMBER’S DOOM! Paul is god… the guy sings like a fucking master! Solid is not even getting close to describe this band’s amazing live performance. I have all their albums, and I know their songs by heart, this band was one of the highlights on my trip to the Barge to hell… so heavy, so dark! They also played a great cover of WOODS OF YPRES… fucking magical moments. I wish they could play another 2 hours. AMAZING! I will do everything I can to see them live again. After this show, I managed to catch HACKNEYED which I thought were pretty cool if not necessarily my thing. I caught a few songs from HOLY MOSES, they had a lot of fans on that cruise but I am not really into their music. Still, they are good musicians and we could see and feel they were enjoying the whole thing as much as their fans in front of them. Kudos for this alone! We went to JOHNNY ROCKET for a quick burger (man, this burger joint is just great!) and came back to see HEADCRUSHER at the Spectrum. This band did kick my ass fair and square… Great band, great presence, musically similar to AT THE GATES mixed with some good old SEPULTURA… very intense. Check them out! At 2H30 I went back to the pool side to catch ROTTING CHRIST. They did well and they were well received by the crowd. The Greek’s discography is a hit and missed as far as I’m concerned but I must admit they really put on a great show, I am happy they were there and they deserved their spot on the cruise. I was curious to see VITAL REMAINS live, and since I never really was a big fan of their music, I will admit I was not expecting much and I was surprised they were actually playing the chorus line. Well, I never felt so dumb in my life… how the hell did I miss this freaking tornado for so many years? Shame on me! This was an unbelievable concert from A to freaking Z… The singer is redefining the term frontman in my humble opinion… fucking intense dude, he is a show on his own. It was a great (dark and evil!) moment of the cruise for me… I just ordered the last 2 albums a few minutes ago to make amends. AWSOME fucking band!!! I couldn’t live with the idea of not seeing POSSESSED live again and so I went to the pool deck to see if they could top their first show… They did more than that, it was even better! Fucking impressive… Please tell me the fuck why they are not signed on a label and kicking ass around the world right now? Holy fuck, for the sake of the metal scene, we need another POSSESSED album pronto! Totally exhausted (in a good way) by what I just saw, I decided to go back and check on KRISIUN… I knew what to expect and I was not surprised to see them slaying on stage… super tight, great sound, great songs by great people. For some reasons they always come out better live than on disc for me... it was a great show. I went to see ENSLAVED, and they did great, again... fucking impressive band. Went to the spectrum to see LOCK UP, too many people, couldn’t see anything and the sound was horrible... that bar sucks. I hate myself for not being able to see them at the Chorus Line, but hey, it’s impossible to be everywhere at the same time. I managed to catch HAVOK for a few songs after a nice supper and a couple of beers. At this time, I was exhausted, spent the entire day watching bands and I needed a break. So I went to my room for a quick shower and came back for what was going to be my last show of the festival... the second concert from BEHEMOTH at the pool deck. They were nothing less than fantastic once again. What a cool way to finish an amazing week of extreme metal. More bands were playing later on but we saw them all or were just too tired to see more. Plus, we had to leave early the day after... We all pretty much went to bed with the conviction that we accomplished our mission. 

SOLSTAFIR: Proper nautical style.

NOVEMBERS DOOM under the jealous sun

Passage to Arcturo: ROTTING CHRIST

Divine in fire: VITAL REMAINS

To sums up such an event in a few lines is pretty much impossible. I am happy with what I got for the money I have paid for. Few things are not working as far as I am concerned... First, to give the chance to unknown bands to be part of such a festival is a great idea... but to have them play at 4H30 in the morning is nonsense... It is ridiculous. I wanted to see KAMPFAR at the pool deck but at quarter to 4 in the morning? Who wanted to see ABIOTIC at 4:30? The spectrum Lounge is not the best option but since you have to work with it, I suggest you take off the damned fence in front of the stage... and maybe the bands should play on the floor in front of the stage, they would have more room and we could see them seated without any problems... I know the logistic for such a festival must be a pain in the ass to deal with and overall it went well, delays are inevitable in such an event but I know a few guys that were royally pissed off waiting for an extra 2-3 hours for the merch store to open... I mean, we were all on board when the ship departed, so why not putting the merch store together the day before opening the store? Just a thought... The restaurants and buffet are just great. You are tired and want to fuck off into your room? You will sleep well, no worries! The staff is great, polite, and helpful in any possible ways. Checking in was bliss and checking out was even easier... I just loved the experience and I already decided to go next year. So if you wish to get in touch with me for next year or if you were there this year and want to chat, please feel free to e-mail me at prc_music@yahoo.ca Let’s talk metal... and see you all next year! - REMI 

 More photos and videos from Barge To Hell:

Barge To Hell photos

Barge To Hell YouTube 

Barge To Hell 2012: A Report by Remi Cote (part 1)

Huge thanks to Remi for letting me use this report. 

I raise my glass in your honour - cheers!

TEXT: Remi Cote 

CORRECTIONS: Jacinte Pearsons 

PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Jean-Philippe Beaulieu

BARGE TO HELL:

My name is Remi and I am a 43 years old metal fan from QC, Canada. I have been involved in the scene for close to 30 years, I did various labels, I still run PRC MUSIC (www.prcmusic.com – home of Negativa, Beyond Creation, Stalwart, Gorelust, amongst  few others) and I started a record store called PROFUSION in 2003 which I sold in late 2011... I live for this music. It is in my veins. I will try to give you an idea of the day to day life on the first BARGE TO HELL as a metal fan, not a journalist, which I am not and have no pretention to be. I actually have no idea how to really do this… I sell music and distribute music, that is what I do best, so please bear with me if my article is not up to par with anything you will read in TERRORIZER or DECIBEL!

Can’t actually say how and why but we finally managed to survive this trip and made it back home safe… Why “Survive” you may ask? There were no tsunamis or plane crashes or Titanic-like catastrophes… But how can you think going to such an event with some of the best bands on earth, surrounded by friends, bars and drunken metal heads, and not get into the mood and shit faced? This is actually the best fucking festival I had the chance to experience, and for numerous reasons, and I am already getting anxious for BARGE TO HELL 2… I will be there, and you should too. Hell, we should go together.

We flew (me and 6 of my buddies) from Montreal and we could tell it was going to be a fun week because we were already (quietly) causing mayhem and laughing our butts off at the airport while checking in… the party was on, at 4:30 AM. After various body searches on myself and metal bro Eric by the very cool and chatty guy at the boarders (let’s call him Dick), we finally all boarded the plane… direction NY and then Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We flew out on December 1^st in order to enjoy the sun, beaches and buckets of beers before the cruise… mission accomplished. We all had our proud moments.

We were all pretty anxious on D-DAY, December 3^rd, and woke up early for a quick continental breakfast (meaning muffins and cereals) and shower to finally leave for the port of Miami…

 

We arrived there with a private shuttle. We saw black shirts and tattoos all over the place - Shane from NAPALM DEATH with his bass and luggage, the dudes from KRISIUN getting in line, the guys from ENSLAVED taking pictures with fans… we knew we were finally home… Home sweet home.

EXODUS - Bonded by blood

After checking in and finding our rooms, it was time to run around the boat and meet some cool people… EXODUS was scheduled to start the hostilities at the Chorus Line Theater. This is a cool club, actually my favourite place on the boat to watch a show, very comfy seats, the sound was always great and you have a perfect view of the stage where ever you may want to sit. 

ENSLAVED - The Space Odyssey of the longships

  

It was unfortunately impossible to see every show, as some bands were playing while others were already on stage but on the first day I saw EXODUS (solid as usual), SOILWORK (Dirk is god and yeah, Speed was impressive), a bit of HOLY MOSES, I literally was blown away into very small pieces by ENSLAVED (incredible show!), SODOM killed everything on the pool deck… but nothing could actually prepare us for the unreal, incredible awesome first concert of the festival from my favourite band from Poland BEHEMOTH! I saw them numerous times and I swear on my wife’s head that I never saw them like that… evil was fucking dripping from the walls around us… it was incredible, magical. BEHEMOTH is way above everybody else as far as stage presence and precision… this show actually killed me several times in the process and since I slept a mere 5 hours in the 48 hours before, I decided it was time to hit the bunk bed for the night. I went to my room with a smile on my face.

BEHEMOTH - Here and beyond

 

Day 2 (December 4^th) started at 10 with ARTILLERY… which I missed as we were already in line waiting for the merch store to open… yeah, I’m a 43 years old kid and I need my goodies. Unfortunately for me, it was a hard fucking task to find XXL size shirts… No BEHEMOTH dammit. No GRAVE. No ENSLAVED… Still got a kick ass POSSESSED shirt, a cool MONSTROSITY shirt, the Barge To Hell shirt and baseball cap… life goes on. Went back to the pool stage in time to catch MORGOTH and they were fucking amazing… loved their set. Afterwards I got my ass kicked by LOUDBLAST, a pleasant surprise as far as I’m concerned as I didn’t hear anything new from the band since forever. Then SACRED REICH killed everything. It was fun to actually enjoy the band in the pool with the guys from MUNICIPAL WASTE… They had as much fun as we did for sure, SACRED REICH killed it, it was great seeing them live again after almost 20 years in my case! I went to the Spectrum Lounge to see NECRONOMICON (the Canadian one!) which I usually enjoy, I saw them live a lot and they deserve their new success in my opinion… but playing on this stage didn’t give them much of a chance. The sound was bad and we couldn’t see much of them on stage because first, they had quite a lot of people showing up which is cool, but there was also a barrier in front of the stage, which made things a bit weird and difficult to fully enjoy the band’s presence… please take that fence off next year, it’s annoying and absolutely not necessary.

Next we had the chance to see BRUJERIA in action, which didn’t do much for me I’m afraid. The next gig was some sort of trip back to school for me, seeing CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in full force with their original line-up, like I did in the mid 80’s in a crappy bar in Montreal, was pure bliss… they were amazing. Pure gold for an old creep like me.

LOUDBLAST the Caribbean Sea!

SACRED REICH...time to surf!

La BRUJA

COC - 'Why Are We Here?'

 

Still on the COC buzz, we ran to the Chorus Line to see NAPALM DEATH… I saw them numerous times, again and again, I love them to death but this concert was beyond fucking sick… I never saw Barney so fucking intense before. The set list was amazing; they played material from all their classics. Incredible gig! We skipped MAYHEM and went to grab a bite, we came back just in time for SANCTUARY. They were great, as if the band actually never stopped for 2 decades or so… can’t wait for the new album. Next, AT THE GATES were playing the pool deck. The set list was cool. MOONSPELL went on stage next at the chorus line and did a killer set too… from what I heard, the singer as a weird effect on the ladies… I took a peek at the MUNICIPAL WASTE show at the Lounge; we could barely see the singer on stage as they were too many people enjoying a solid fucking gig in front of him. I can’t understand why this band was not playing the bigger room… SEPULTURA was next on the pool deck. They played some amazing songs but I don’t know… I am not a fan anymore. It was like seeing a good cover band. Those who had the chance to see SEPULTURA with the (almost) original line-up will understand what I mean. POSSESSED were scheduled to destroy the chorus line and they did… I saw them in the mid 80’s and they were good. Fast forward 20 something years later, they were amazing… Everything they played on stage was obviously a classic. It is cool to see Jeff Bercera on stage again. This was my last concert for day 2. I was barely standing on my feet.

AT THE GATES of the loud memory

MOONSPELL: Portugal ruling the seas once more

 

Day 3 (December 5) was our day off within our vacation… we left the boat for Nassau. Went to the closest Starbucks for WI-Fi and a well-deserved coffee. We took a cab, died about 25 times on our way to the beach… barely alive; we went and find ourselves a nice spot to hang out. The weather was amazing, we had a blast. I am used to travelling in the south, I go at least once or twice a year, and I can’t say I would recommend Nassau… it is ridiculously expensive and you get the same treatment as if you were to go to a Mexican resort, weather and beach-like. And Mexico is much cheaper. Our taxi driver told us Michael Jackson stayed on Paradise Island and paid 25.000$ a night to stay there… I told him Uncle Tom was staying on our boat for free.

At first sight those looked like CORONER shorts to me...

Part 2 of Remi's metal adventure will be posted tomorrow, Dec 12th.

Meanwhile you can check out all photos and videos shot by Jean-Philipe on the following locations:

Barge To Hell 2012 photos 

and

Barge To Hell 2012 You Tube  

Voidcleaning - reviews part 4

A day off work has become more of a rarity for me than stumbling upon a mint first press Yellow Goat vinyl that's sold for a dime. Today is one of those rare days and 'cause I'm not Nocturno Culto (obviously!) I wouldn't be going outside on a ski trip through the woods - I'd rather be watching the snowfall from the safety of my bedroom, while abusing millions cups of black coffee and millions packs of the beloved Viceroy cigarettes. That's right - it's review 'o clock here...

HIC IACET - 'Prophecy Of Doom' 7" (Hells Headbangers)

The label seems to dig these Spaniards, this 7" being the follow up to the HHR (vinyl) reissue of the band's debut demo, 'Hedonist Of The Death'. After listening to these two songs the pairing makes perfect sense - Hic Iacet certainly worship the old, non-technical and brutally raw ways of black and death metal - production and music-wise. This could be a two-edged sword for Hic Iacet though: metallers who like it slick and polished most likely will stay clear of this band, while many of the old timers might be able to pick up more familiar riffs and patterns than what good is, thus ending up kinda indifferent to the whole affair. Agreeably, here's promise on there and it's evident the band is trying to project a grimly unhealthy aura with its music, but this is just not memorable enough to make one jetting to the player and flipping the wax over and over until the vinyl is shred to bits. Blame it on my age, if you wish, or on the existence of bands like Necros Christos, who are doing something similar in style - just better!, but Hic Iacet ain't yet the band to give me goosebumps all over. [7] 

Hic Iacet on HHR Bandcamp page 

SATHANAS / SPAWN OF SATAN - Split 7" (Hells Headbangers)

Alright, more old school death / thrash here. Spawn Of Satan's "Ritual Murder" bears a slight resemblance to the current works of NunSlaughter, hardly a surprise as it's Jim Sadist playing in both those bands. Not as nasty sounding as most of the NunSlaughter tunes, in fairness, but there's just enough Slaughter influence mixed in along the driving sorta-thrash riffs and deathly growls to make you aware of the similarities. [7]

Sathanas has always been a "difficult" band to me - I like the style they are going for and I respect them for staying true to themselves over the years, yet their tunes have never really floored me to the point of me uttering something similar to "Fuuuuck, this is awesome!". "Unholy Eternal" doesn't change the scenario in the slightest, no matter how many chances I've given to it to sunk in. Oh well, some bands are bound to remain just like this, I guess. [6,5] 

Sathanas Facebook 

BLACK JESUS - 'Black Jesus Saves' (Hells Headbangers)

This 12" vinyl release rightfully completes the circle for the debut demo of these Melbourne based Repulsion worshippers; 'Black Jesus Saves' had made it now on tape, compact disc and wax. In case you're an undying fan of the Flint, MI, foursome these 8 songs of depravity would easily turn out to be your best new friend - one you would go on and swear you've always been familiar with somehow. One you can sit down with, telling one another random tales of radiation sickness and acts of the unspeakable, bathing in the acid rain until you realize you're both supposed to rot wearing those faded 'Horrified' shirts. Kinda cool, kinda depressing, isn't it? I'm betting my balls this band really excels live, though. [7]

Black Jesus 

ANCIENT ASCENDANT - 'Into The Dark' (Self-released)

Even though one can hardly shake off the feeling that this English band might be drawing from way too vast array of different styles and influences, the quality displayed on this 5 song MCD is hard to be shot down and buried. Modern day sounding death / thrash hybrid that doesn't make me like throwing my phone across the room? Score one for Ancient Ascendant! Not only the guitarists shred as if there's no tomorrow, but this is also filled with quirky riffs and nuances that make you pay close attention. Rest assured the vocals are just as interesting, diverse sounding and dominating in the mix, with the rhythm section holding up well its end with meticulous precision - no matter if I'd enjoy it better somehow less sterile and more "forceful" sounding. The aim here is writing songs that are both technically challenging and intense, I believe. If that's what the band originally had in mind, then there's no denying that 'Into The Dark' has been a success. If you enjoy stuff like 'Heartwork' era Carcass, Dissection's 'Reinkaos' or even Dark Tranquillity and Gojira (crossbred with Dream Theater, ha!) you might want to invest some time and dosh into these Reading based new-age ancients. Reading, you say? Thanks for selling Kevin Doyle to Wolves in 2009, the guy is class. [7,5]

Ancient Ascendant 

Children Of Technology 'Mayhemic Speed Anarchy' review

CHILDREN OF TECHNOLOGY

'Mayhemic Speed Anarchy' 7"

(Hells Headbangers)

'It's Time To Face The Doomsday', the Italians debut outing for Hells Headbangers, was embraced with open arms by Dale, as can be attested by the positive review he gave them. COT's punk/metal mixture isn't exactly unique sounding, a thing that seemingly isn't bothering the band at all and they're still proudly wearing their influences on their collective sleeves on this 7". Rest assured the usual suspect influence of Broken Bones and English Dogs are here on the title song, but what I'm most reminded of, whilst listening, is The Exploited. Resemblances to that band's 'Death Before Dishonour' / 'The Massacre' era, both production and riff/solo-wise, are pretty obvious - and what about having "anarchy" in the lyrics? Competently played and energetic, for sure but I reckon I'd rather stick to the true and tried Wattie's gang - and his harsher and fucked up pronunciation. Side B is COT frantically covering "Computer World" by Black Uniforms - good to see these Swedes getting some more exposure and appreciation! Frankly speaking, 'Mayhemic Speed Anarchy' is a rather good stop-gap type EP (and vinyl is king, simple!) but it's also hardly the most addictive drug the market offers. If you love your crossover being more on the punky side this will get you high enough, though. [7]

(Vladimir Petrov) 

Children Of Technology Facebook 

 

Bestial Warlust 'Satan's Fist' review

BESTIAL WARLUST

'Satan's Fist'

(Hells Headbangers / Invictus Productions)

Off the top of my head I could think of nearly 666 ways of approaching this release, and scribing the review. I can't highlight enough the impact Bestial Warlust's debut album 'Vengeance War 'Till Death' had on my teen psyche back in the day - this was a complete overloading experience - and still is to this day. Not only those Aussie bastards in no time replaced Blasphemy as my top pick in this particular genre, but they were also the first band that made me pay close attention to their native underground scene, a move that has resulted in experiencing some of the most awesome music those crusty ears have been subjected to - EVER. Fuck it, I would've even scanned and uploaded for you that absolutely atrocious "interview" I did with Bloodstorm  back in the day, only if I could find it - probably for the better: that would've been the ultimate proof for my lame "journalism" and horrible music tastes since day one, hah. In short, I might be called a fan-boy when this band comes into question. Hail Bestial Warlust! 

'Satan's Fist' was originally recorded as a demo in 1996 and was kept in the vaults since. I, for one, am really glad this is made available on vinyl and CD now, the sound quality is easily superior to the various dubs and 128kbs downloads out there. Even though this is hardly the most triumphant offering unleashed by the band I can't imagine someone complaining about these 3 songs. Sure, this is only Hellcunt and Skullfucker demoing tunes and trying to keep the band alive after the demise of the previous line-up(s) but even for two members they've made a racket between themselves and what this (slightly!) lacks in the full-on ferocious annihilation department, they make for it with some mean guitar riffs and melodies that wouldn't have sounded out of place if used by bands such as Destroyer 666 or Assaulter, to mention just a couple of examples. The more I listen to this, the more I seem to dig it - especially after somehow shaking off the initial expectations that 'Satan's Fist' is gonna be on the same level as the two studio albums. Still, this is militantly aggressive, raw as nobody's business, slit-your-throat metal done the Bestial way - a pleasure to the old timers and a great way to the younger legions to see as to why the band is still cited as one of the most influential by some of the meanest ones making the waves in the underground those days. Add this to your Xmass shopping list, you fuckos! [8]

(Vladimir Petrov)

 

Giveaway: Win 4 CDs from Orchestrated Misery Recordings / Clawhammer PR

GIVEAWAY

I love the guys over at Clawhammer PR. 

You should love them too, as this is yet another giveaway run by those top cats - and yet another chance for you to win a hefty stack of awesome albums.

Up for the grabs is 4 CDs pack featuring each and every album released to date by Orchestrated Misery Recordings, the label run by Indiana's own underground legend Peter Clemens.  

Check out the label's site at this location.

One lucky bastard will win the following CDs:

YELLOWTOOTH - 'Disgust'

NOCTURNAL TORMENT - 'They Come At Night'

CATAPULT IN SMOKE - 'Born In Fire'

CATAPULT IN SMOKE - 'Unearthed'

To participate, just send an email (Subject: Giveaway) to

deadvoiddreams [at] gmail.com

and your name will be added to the drawing hat.

The winner will be picked randomly.

Deadline is December, 31st 2012.

Cheers.

Subterranean Disposition 'Subterranean Disposition' review

SUBTERRANEAN DISPOSITION

'Subterranean Disposition'

(Hypnotic Dirge Records)

Terry Vainoras, the sole member of this band, knows his doom, that's much certain. After all, we are hardly talking about a neophyte here - the man was part of bands such as Cryptal Darkness, The Eternal and InSomnius Dei, which also means he's well aware of the fact that burning passion for art is the key element if one is to submerge himself to the murky waters of this particular genre. To quote but a part of Terry's own lyrics taken from the opening song, "Between Apes And Angels": "Singing in colours becoming octaves unknown / We in turn then become thought itself" - not exactly Motley Crue "groupies & cocaine" way of thinking here, you see. 

'Subterranean Disposition' is an album that is both accessible (in lack of a better word) and demanding - sure, this is slow, heavy and sorrowful as set in stone by the early works of My Dying Bride, Anathema, Paradise Lost and Katatonia but paying attention reveals various different ingredients enriching the style and outcome of these 5 lengthy songs. Mixing in Pink Floyd-type psychedelia, some near-progressive metal guitar playing and bits that wouldn't sound out of place on a mid-period Ulver release - not to mention all used in a clever manner and not just slapped randomly for the sake of it - makes this album an intriguing listen. The vocals are just as varied as the music, so no monotone on that front too, which is always welcome. Here's a doom album that wouldn't exactly bury your sanity under tons of self-pity and depression but one that asks questions and gives hints on the possible answers at the same time. Take this like the equivalent of having a glass of fine red wine after a hard day, if you wish. [8]

(Vladimir Petrov) 

Subterranean Disposition Facebook 

 

Monads 'Intellectus Iudicat Veritatem' (dual) review

MONADS

'Intellectus Iudicat Veritatem'

(Ordo MCM)

54 minutes of a tiring five-song demo for the band from Belgium. Another funeral doom album without anything new to exhibit to the listener. Extremely slow tempos, drums that still needs a lot of work, tiring lead guitar solos combined with slow growling. Perhaps the description sounds interesting, but it is not so good as it seems. There are times where the musical compositions touch the limits of death/doom, as at the end of ‘Absent As In These Veins’, lacking any connection with the entire song. Although ‘Intellectus Iudicat Veritatem’ can be regarded as ‘very good’ from some fans of this genre, this does not mean that it is not one-of-the-same, without any inspiration and without a spark. Despite the fact that it is a heavy, melancholic and atmospheric demo, it does not offer a great listening experience. [6] 

 Dark Alice's nightingale

We're opinionated bunch here at Dead Void Dreams, or else we wouldn't be doing this, right? This was bound to happen - and while I do respect Alice's opinion and am thankful for all the hard work and passion she has injected in the zine since joining - here's my take on Monad's album. Cool, you get another review...and another opinion, at no extra charge, hah!

 

I've nothing but applauds to Ordo MCM for picking up the band and re-releasing this on CD. For what's in fact a debut outing 'Intellectus...' is more than simply "good" and it's certainly a promise for what's yet to come from Belgium's most wretched and wicked weirdos. Yes, it requires a good few listens, not to mention a particularly bleak and introvert state of mind, to fully sink in, but once that happens and you've taken the trip there's a realization that Monads are here to stay - and haunt your subconsciousness. In terms of harshness and fuck-your-mind-for-good hypnotizing ambience this stuff seemingly owes as much to bands like Merzbow and Corrupted as it does to Esoteric and Mournful Congregation, which undoubtedly gives the band broader canvas to work with, a thing that can only enrich the impact of those five dirges on offer. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all but it's a safe bet that those who like it slow, bone-chilling and full of anguish will be glad to add this to their collections. [8,5]

Vladimir Petrov

Monads Facebook 

Ordo MCM